ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Two-day Outreach Programme on “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” by Regional Outreach Bureau, Chandigarh under I&B Ministry
As Government of India is celebrating “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on the occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence, Regional Outreach Bureau , Chandigarh under Ministry of Information&Broadcasting, Government of India is organizing a two-day outreach programme in Chandigarh on 26th and 27th August 2021.
Sh. Bikram Singh Gill, State Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan , Chandigarh will inaugurate the outreach programme at Village Burail in Chandigarh on August 26,2021. NYKS, NSS volunteers led by Ms. Sanjana Vatts, District Youth Officer, NYKS Chandigarh will also participate in various activities.On August 27, a Fit India Freedom Run will be flagged off from Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh by Sh. Ravi Kant Sharma, Mayor Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh.
The activities like paintingcompetition, quiz contest, fancy dress competition, patriotic songs competition, cultural programmes, Fit India Freedom Run, honoring the unsung heroes of Indian freedom struggle are part of this outreach programme starting from tomorrow. Lectures on freedom struggle, prominent events and historical places in the district are also planned.
Special Service and Features
Rashtriya Raksha University Expands International Collaboration in Law Enforcement and Security Education
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, October 4, 2023 Rashtriya Raksha University  has taken a significant step towards enhancing global cooperation in the fields of law enforcement and security education. On October 4, 2023, RRU signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with the Uganda Police Force at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Uganda. The MoU was signed by Cdr. Manoj Bhatt, Director Accreditation and Affiliation from RRU; Mr. Ravish Shah, Head of ICOD from RRU; and AIGP Golooba Godfrey, the Director of Human Resource Development.
The collaboration between RRU and the Uganda Police Force aims to foster mutual understanding and knowledge exchange in the areas of law enforcement training, research, and capacity building. By joining forces, both institutions seek to enhance their educational programs and contribute to the professional development of law enforcement personnel.
Under this MoU, RRU and the Uganda Police Force will engage in various collaborative activities such as faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, curriculum development initiatives, and sharing best practices in law enforcement education. These efforts will enable both institutions to benefit from each other's expertise and experiences, ultimately leading to improved law enforcement practices in their respective countries.
Speaking about this partnership, Cdr. Manoj Bhatt expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "We are delighted to establish this strategic partnership with the Uganda Police Force. This MoU signifies our commitment to fostering international cooperation in law enforcement education. We believe that by sharing knowledge and resources, we can collectively address the evolving challenges faced by law enforcement agencies worldwide."
Mr. Ravish Shah added: "This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for RRU to expand its global footprint and contribute to the development of law enforcement education in Uganda. We look forward to working closely with the Uganda Police Force and exchanging best practices that will benefit both institutions."
AIGP Golooba Godfrey, the Director of Human Resource Development at the Uganda Police Force, expressed his appreciation for the partnership: "We are excited to collaborate with Rashtriya Raksha University in enhancing our capacity to provide quality training and education to our personnel. This MoU will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, enabling us to improve our law enforcement practices and contribute to the safety and security of our nation."
The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone for RRU as it expands its international collaboration efforts and strengthens its position as a leading institution in law enforcement and security education. This partnership with the Uganda Police Force sets the stage for future collaborations with other international organizations, fostering a global network of knowledge sharing and cooperation.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
High Level Advisory Group Constituted for Trade
The Minister of Commerce & Industry, Suresh Prabhu, has approved the constitution of a High Level Advisory Group  to make recommendations for identifying and pursuing opportunities and for addressing challenges in order to find a way forward in the contemporary global trade scenario.
The HLAG will consider ways for boosting India’s share and importance in global merchandise and services trade, managing pressing bilateral trade relations and mainstreaming new age policy making.
The terms of reference  of the HLAG are to examine the prevailing international trade dynamics, including, but not confined to, the rising protectionist tendencies, especially on the part of major economies, non-engagement by some countries on outstanding trade negotiation issues and commitments, including the Doha Development Agenda, and their insistence on pursuing negotiating mandates, in many cases prematurely and without efforts, to build consensus and common understanding.
On new issuesand in light of this examination,the HLAG will suggest a way forward for India, taking into account its interests and sensitivities, and provide options for a balanced approach for the global community to build on achievements thus far, in creating a conducive global trade framework and move forward in a harmonious and consensual manner that is acceptable to the larger global community.
The Group may consider possible approaches and suggest a pragmatic framework for India’s future engagement in international trade, and the manner in which it can play a proactive and constructive role in working with the community of Nations in exploring and building consensus on resolving emergent trade related issues.
Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla, Director of Oxus Research and Investments will chair the HLAG. The other members of the Group are S.Jaishankar, former Foreign Secretary, Rajeev Kher, former Commerce Secretary and Member, Competition Appellate Tribunal, Sanjeev Sanyal, Principal Economic Advisor, Government of India,AdilZainulbhai, Chairman, Quality Council of India,Dr.HarshaVardhana Singh, former DDG, WTO,Dr.Shekhar Shah,DG, NCAER,Dr.Vijay Chauthaiwale, Foreign Policy Advisor,Dr.Pulok Ghosh, IIM Bangalore, Jayant Dasgupta, former Ambassador of India to the WTO, Rajiv K Luthra of Luthra&Luthra and Chandrajit Banerjee, DG, CII.
The HLAG will meet regularly over the next two months and make specific implementable recommendations in light of the ToR, including on each of the areas, to facilitate the formulation of future trade policies. The HLAG may invite special invitees whose inputs may be considered necessary.Centre for WTO Studies , New Delhi shall provide the secretariat to the HLAG.
Ministry of Science & Technology
SERB announces Women Excellence Award 2021 on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Four young women fellows of National Science Academies have been awarded for excelling in science and engineering on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021.
The SERB Women Excellence Award that has been conferred on them provides a grant of Rs. 15 lakhs for a period of three years to the awardees to pursue their research ideas.
The award given by the Science and Engineering Research Board , a Statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology  supporting basic research in the frontier areas of science and engineering, was launched in the year 2013. It is a one-time award given to women scientists below 40 years of age who have received recognition from any one or more of the National Academies such as Young Scientist Medal, Young Associateship, etc.
The for women scientists selected for the awards include Dr. Shobhna Kapoor, Assistant Professor at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, working in the area of Chemical Biology with expertise in ‘Host-Pathogen Interactions and Membrane Biology, Chemical Biology and Biophysics’, Dr. Antara Banerjee, Scientist B National Institute For Research In Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra from the Health Sciences area with expertise in Signal Transduction, Biology of Reproduction and Endocrinology, Dr. Sonu Gandhi Scientist D from National Institute Of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad from Bionanotechnology area focusing on Nanosensors, Design and Fabrication of Label-free Biosensors and Dr. Ritu Gupta, Assistant Professor at Indian Institute Of Technology Jodhpur, Rajasthan working on Nanotechnology with expertise in Materials Science, Nanodevices and Sensors, Health & Energy.
The call for award is made open every year through www.serbonline.in.
Ministry of Power
15th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting
15th East Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting was held today virtually.Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Union Minister of State for Power, attended the meeting alongwith other senior officials of the Ministry from the Indian side.
The theme of the meeting “We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper”, aimed at coordinating efforts of ASEAN countries in pursuing the goal of energy security and energy transition that will benefit the people of our region.
India confirmed that ASEAN is a region of great importance for us. Engagement with ASEAN has been, and will remain, a critical element of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and strategy; Acting East is now a central element in India's Indo-Pacific vision.
The Minister provided a brief status of the Indian energy transition plans, policies, challenges and efforts towards decarbonisation.
Special Service and Features
Hydro Cannabis from Canada in postal parcels seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on information, Chennai Air Customs detained three postal parcels suspected to contain narcotics substances, which arrived from Toronto Canada at Foreign Post Office, Chennai.
The parcels were addressed to a Chennai based person. On opening the parcels one opaque silver color plastic cover with markings as “Blu D” was found inside each. On further cut opening the plastic covers, semi dried leaves having a strong ‘weedy’ smell similar to Cannabis of high quality most likely “Hydro Cannabis” were found concealed inside. Total 300 grams of Cannabis  of foreign origin valued at Rs. 2.5 lakhs was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Cannabis is a psychotropic substance commonly known as weed, herb, grass, ganja, containing psychoactive chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol . On smoking THC stimulates the brain and it responds to pleasure and unleashes dopamine which gives a euphoric relaxed feeling.
Further investigation is under progress, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
(
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Electric Buses
The Government has sanctioned 5095 electric buses to 64 Cities / State Transport Corporations for intra-city operation, 400 electric buses for intercity operation and 100 electric buses for last mile connectivity to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation  under Phase-II of FAME India Scheme. The number of e-buses allotted to different cities of the State of Andhra Pradesh are as given below:
|
|
S.No.
|
|
Name of City
|
|
E-Bus allocated
|
|
1.
|
|
Visakhapatnam
|
|
100
|
|
2.
|
|
Vijayawada
|
|
50
|
|
3.
|
|
Amravati
|
|
50
|
|
4.
|
|
Tirupati
|
|
50
|
|
5.
|
|
Kakinada
|
|
50
|
|
6.
|
|
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation- Inter-City Operations
|
|
50
|
|
Total
|
|
350
The expenditure of nearly Rs. 175 crore for purchase of these buses is being borne by the Department of Heavy Industry.
This information was given by the Minister of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Prakash Javadekar, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Power
NHPC to provide consultancy services to KSEB for accelerating hydro potential of Kerala
NHPC Limited and Kerala State Electricity Board Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which NHPC will provide consultancy services to KSEB as its Owner’s Engineer for vetting of design of KSEB’s ongoing projects as well as of projects in the pipeline. Under the MoU, NHPC and KSEB come together for accelerated development of the hydroelectric potential of the state of Kerala, in the most techno-commercially viable manner, as an enabler towards clean energy transition.
The MoU was signed by Executive Director , NHPC, Rajat Gupta and Director , KSEB Limited, Radhakrishnan G, on 16th June, 2023.
Executive Director , NHPC and Director , KSEB Limited at the signing of the MoU
A brief meeting was also held with Chairman & Managing Director, KSEB Ltd. before signing of the MoU; the KSEB CMD complimented CMD, NHPC, R.K. Vishnoi for associating with KSEB for this purpose and expressed his strong belief and faith in NHPC’s technical prowess and expertise.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Stimulus Package for COVID-19
The Central Government, on 26th March, 2020 announced a relief package under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana”, totaling Rs.1.70 lakh crore for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus. Around 42 crore poor people have received financial assistance of Rs. 68, 820 crore under this scheme.
Central Government allowed the State Governments to use the State Disaster Response Fund  on 14th March, 2020 for taking measures for quarantine facilities, sample, collection and screening, procurement of essential equipments/labs for COVID-19. Thereafter, on 28th March, 2020, Central Government also allowed State Governments to use SDRF for making provisions of temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care, etc., to homeless people including migrant labourers. To augment the funds with the States, Central Government released in advance Rs.11, 092 crores from the SDRF to the States on 3rd April, 2020.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare approved the India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package of Rs. 15,000 crores. The said Package seeks to support States/UTs in establishment of COVID dedicated facilities for treatment of COVID-19 cases including for critical care, enhancement in testing capacities, engagement and training of necessary human resources and procurement of essential equipment and protective gear for the health care personnel engaged in COVID-19 duties, etc.
Additionally, State Governments have been allowed additional borrowing limit of up to 2 percent of Gross State Domestic Product  for the year 2020-21. As against the additional borrowing limit of 2% of GSDP, consent for borrowing of 0.50 percent of GSDP amounting to Rs. 1,06,830 crore has already been issued to the States to raise Open Market Borrowing  during the year 2020-21.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Administrative Reforms Undertaken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
The major policy initiatives and reforms taken by the Government during the last about four years to achieve the overall objectives of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas  include:
- Finalisation of Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy and Open Acreage Licensing Policy
- Formulation of Discovered Small Field Policy
- Survey of un-appraised area of sedimentary basins
- Setting up of National Data Repository
- Policy framework for exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon
- Policy for early monetisation of coal-bed methane
- Policy for enhancing and improving oil recovery methods
- Reforms in gas pricing, marketing and pricing freedom
- Streamlining of production contracts and fiscal incentives
- Developing National Gas Grid
- Thrust to City Gas Distribution Network
- Promotion of LNG / CNG in transportation sector
- Pradhan MantriUjjawalaYojana to provide PG connections
- Rationalisation of subsidy outgo excluding LPG consumers having taxable income of Rs.10 lakh and above
- Subsidy delivery to LPG consumers through PAHAL
- Declaration of 8 States / UTs as kerosene free
- Direct Benefit Transfer in PDS kerosene
- Massive improvement in downstream and midstream infrastructure
- Automation of retail outlets
- Promotion of digital payments
- Implementation of auto fuel policy
- Daily dynamic fuel pricing to promote efficiency and transparency
- Citizen centric initiatives to promote ease of living
- Leapfrogging to BS VI fuel
- Fuel policy norms for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Setting high standards of Corporate Social Responsibility towards nation building
- Thrust to Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme
- Promotion of Bio-diesel programme
- Promotion of 2G ethanol through Lignocelluloses
- Setting up Hydrocarbon Sector Skill council
- Policy to provide purchase preference linked with local content
- Engagement in hydrocarbon sector with large number of countries
- Expanding hydrocarbon footprints through overseas acquisitions
The above measures have significantly contributed towards energy access, energy efficiency, energy sustainability and energy security.
This information was given by Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Verification of Port Pensioners through easy, hassle-free Digital Life Certificate Registration
Kolkata, 20th September, 2021
As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a drive has been initiated by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata  to biometrically verify the Kolkata Dock System pensioners and family pensioners in co-ordination with India Post through Digital Life Certificates. Till date more than 9000 pensioners have got registered under Digital Life Certificate through an easy and hassle-free process. Initially a camp was organised in Feb-Mar, 2021 at Port Guesthouse and at GPO. For the left-out pensioners, camps are re-organised at various post offices in Kolkata in addition to camps in Howrah, Hooghly, Burdwan and Midnapore. In the first week of camp from 13th Sep to 18th Sep, 2021 at Behala, Parnasree Pally, Barisha, Khiddirpur, Garden Reach and Howrah, overwhelming response from pensioners was seen and more than 600 DLC registrations were reported. For the ease of pensioners, DLC was carried out on wheels where the pensioners drove near the designated post offices in car, taxis, autos or rickshaws and postman got the registration done while seated in the vehicle. The bed ridden patients were attended by postman at their residence on their request and generated DLC.
The camp will continue in various post offices till 30th Sep, 2021. From 20 to 23 Sep, 2021 pensioners can visit at Kankurgachi, Santoshpur, Baruipur and Alipore post office. From 21 to 23 Sep, 2021 camp will be held at Rabindra Bhawan, Hooghly while on 24 and 25th Sep, 2021 camp will be at Berhampur, Budge budge and Tamluk post offices. Burdwan will have camp on 27 and 28th Sep, 2021 and on 28 and 29th Sep, 2021 at Midnapore post office. From 27 to 30th Sep, 2021 camp will be held at Belghoria, Barrackpore, Tollygunge and Yogayog Bhawan post office. Pensioners can also approach GPO for DLC on any working day till 30th Sep, 2021.
The biometric verification of port pensioners through Jeevan Pramaan site is essential for uninterrupted pension and arrear due, if any.
CG/CB/
(Visitor Counter : 388
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to the former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"On her death anniversary, paying tributes to India’s former Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji."
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President visits infamous Cellular Jail in Port Blair
Also visits solitary confinement cell of Veer Savarkar
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has visited the infamous Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands today, where valiant freedom fighters were meted out most cruel and inhuman treatment by the British. He also paid tributes to the heroes of the freedom moment.
The Vice President also visited solitary confinement cell of Veer Savarkar at the Cellular Jail and paid tributes to great freedom fighter. The purpose of solitary confinement was to demoralise freedom fighters, keep them in small, solitary cells without any scope to interact with fellow prisoners and local people, he said.
The Vice President was received by the Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D.K. Joshi and other dignitaries, on his arrival, in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He was also given the Guard-of-Honour jointly by the Army, Navy and Airforce.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
In the hour of crisis CIPET carries out significant Community-relief Work
In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic , Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology, a Govt. of India Institute Under the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers is undertaking noble works for the wellbeing of community through its facilities in different states.
As a part of this drive, CIEPT’s Gwalior Centre has handed over its Skill Training Centre to District Magistrate/Collector and created 72 bed quarantine Centre by attaching the staff and officers of CIPET on 24x7 duty to provide support service to the paramedical team.
Similarly CIEPT Bhuwaneshwar has created awareness/sensitization among the public to fight against transmission of Corona pandemic by distributing mask, sanitizers,disinfectents and water bottles . It is also carrying out demonstrations.
All the Employees of CIPET have voluntarily contributed one days salary amounting to 18 lakh rupees to the PM CARES fund.
R&D wing of CIPET-SARP LARPM Bhuwaneshwar has prepared Sanitizers as per wHO guidelines and distributed the same to Security and Housekeeping Staffs for protection against COVID-19
CIPET Lucknow have contributed 5 lakh rupees to ANNADA , Nagar Nigam Nidhi, Luknow ,to provide food to tne needy,poor and migrants in the city.
Similar efforts are being made at various CIPET Centers to provide food to the needy and poor people.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Bolivia on Cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Bolivia on Cooperation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources. The MoU was signed in Bolivia in March, 2019.
Impact:
The MoU will provide an institutional mechanism between India and Bolivia for cooperation in the field of Mineral Resources. The MoU provides for exchange of information on resources, laws and policy, organization of seminars to exchange views on development strategies, encouragement of transfer of technologies between the two countries, promotion of value addition, which will enable taking up of activities like documentation and dissemination etc.